Was there actually a time when you couldn’t beat the heat in the Gateway Building fountain?

The sprinkler has become a summer staple, offering sweet relief when temperatures skyrocket. The fountain mostly serves as a kiddie playground. But if the sun is blistering, don’t be surprised to see parents and other adults meandering through the cooling water.

Yet the fountain was not part of the city’s $7 million renovation project at 200 NE Water St., at the foot of Hamilton Boulevard. The Gateway Building was envisioned as a public conference center, with a grand ballroom covering 4,450 square feet. The site became a premier banquet facility, hosting many weddings and receptions.

But the scope and cost did not include a fountain. Before the 1996 groundbreaking, the Illinois Riverfront Development Corp. received a $125,000 donation from Gordon and Jean Peters to build a fountain in the plaza area in honor of their parents.

“Our parents believed and taught us that everyone should be prepared in any way they can to give something back to their community,” Gordon Peters said at the time.

The fountain, along with the rest of the project, opened in 1997. Ever since, it’s been one of the coolest spots in Peoria, especially in the summer.

Journal Star staff

1 Comment

I have only seen this once as I retired in 1996 .. there was so little down town back then. I nad worked down there for 33 years and all that time things got less and less down there. I went to the museamum with my grand kids a lot then now they are in there mid 20’s . .. with their own people and friends. that is life.